Memorials and Dedications

The lives of all Arkansas may have been different if men and women hadn't fought for the liberties you have today. Throughout history, our military has risked their lives to protect our freedoms and security.

To Honor Veterans of our past we have made this memorial dedication page. The Arkansas Freedom Fund will like to offer our sincere thanks for their service and sacrifice in both times of peace and war. We honor your loved ones commitment to our nation and offer sincerest our condolences for your loss and the loss to our country.Please reflect and thank those who have served or are serving, whether its family, a friend or neighbor. Its important that we don't forget those who fought for us.

Consider a memorial donation in the name of a veteran to the Arkansas Freedom Fund so we can continue to assist and honor our Arkansan Veterans.

A very good memorial video to touch your heart. Please give just a second to load.​Thanks to Freedom Remembered a place to remember those who have died while serving during OEF, OIF or OND. It’s a place where others can read about their lives, their passions, and the legacy they’ve left behind. These stories are compiled to make sure the sacrifices made by those who died so far from home are remembered.

In Memory of and in Honor of. Our Memorials

Kenneth Mueller - Hot Springs Village. Thank you for your Service.

Tanya Spillane - US Army. Tanya is the wife of AFF Member Mickey Spillane. She was a leader, mentor and respected member of the Cabot Schools serving as Principal. Her 'Never Quit' attitude made he a role model for everyone who met her. We love and will miss her.

Ralph Garner Rogers III - US Navy, AFF Member Veterans Volunteer. He last rode the Arkansas Challenge in 2017. He was active in many sports events and loved running and riding his bike. We will miss his smile.​Andrew AJ Genco - Lt Col USAF, AFF Member, Father and friend to everyone that knew him. He rode the Arkansas Challenge with his son on a tandem. He loved to ride his bike. The AFF was a great fit for him. This memorial is on behalf of the Major Taylor Cycling Club of Little Rock.

Bill Permenter USAF Veteran, From the Hawkens

David Dubois USMC - Member Marine Corps League. Thank you

James Sheeham of North Little Rock. Thank you for your service.

Charles R Dixon US Army of Lead Hill AR. Loved and respected, thanks for your service.

Ike Covert US Army. Thank you for your service. From Connie Scott and Walter Yahn.

Paul Palmer of Bentonville. Thank you for your service.

Harold Steelman of Cammack Village, a great Patriot and Champion of America.

CW2 Eulas R Wiggs of Romance Arkansas.

Bill A. Sims of Sherwood. Memorials can be made to Bayo Meto Baptist Church.

__Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin B. Wise, 34, of Little Rock, Ark. Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Wise died Sunday at a medical center in Germany
after being wounded in combat on Jan. 9 in Balkh province. Wise was
injured when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms. Wise's brother, 35-year-old Jeremy Wise, was killed in a terrorist attack on a CIA outpost in Afghanistan in December 2009. Jeremy Wise was a former Navy Seal who was working as a security contractor after leaving the Navy.

Cpl. Loren M. BuffaloDied: March 9, 2011 in Kandahar, Afghanistan Cpl. Loren M. Buffalo of Mountain Pine, Arkansas died at age 20 in Kandahar province of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 75th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. He joined the United States Army in May of 2009 arriving at Fort Campbell the following October. His awards and decorations include, Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Staff Sergeant USMC Danny Owen Halstead of Redfield Arkansas. Apr 9, 1928 - Mar 7, 2011. Danny was a Korean War Veteran. Thank you for your service and you are loved.

Sgt Ethan C. HardinDied: January 7, 2011 in Logar, Afghanistan Sgt Ethan C. Hardin of Fayetteville, Arkansas is a graduate of Fayetteville Christian School and a member of the Mission Boulevard Baptist Church. Ethan enlisted in the United States Army in January of 2006. After completing his training he was stationed at Fort Irwin, California and in Germany before arriving to Fort Polk in March of 2010. He previously deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from November of 2008 through October of 2009. His awards and decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, ,Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He died at age 25 of wounds suffered at Logar Province, Afghanistan when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

Cpl. Chad S. WadeDied: December 1, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan Cpl. Chad S. Wade of Bentonville, Arkansas was currently serving as a rifleman on his third combat deployment. Chad enlisted on October 16, 2007 and was currently serving his second combat deployment, having previously served in Iraq. His awards include, the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal. He leaves his wife, Katie, his mother, Tami and her husband Terry, his father Terence L. Wade and his wife Crystal,two sisters, Candice Allison, Tia Boyett, two brothers, Trever Boyett and Tristan Wade. He died at age 22 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Spc. David S. RobinsonDied: November 20, 2010 in Qalat, Afghanistan Spc. David S. Robinson of Fort Smith, Arkansas had served deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan. David leaves his wife, Heidi, a daughter, Madison, two sons, Jerimy and Tyler, his mother and stepfather, Beverly and Steve Brown, his father, David E. Robinson, stepmother, Michelle Robinson, five brothers, Jerrod, Chris, Shelby, Bill and Steven, three sisters, Amber, Heather and Tara. He died at age 25 in Qalat, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related accident.

LCpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros Died: October 14, 2010 in Helmand, Afghanistan Lance Cpl. Irvin M. Ceniceros of Clarksville, Arkansas is the youngest of four children. He spent his early years in Tampa, and moved with his family in 2002 to Arkansas. Irvin is a 2007 Clarksville High School graduate and played tennis and football. He signed up for the Marines in August of 2007 and began boot camp in September of 2007. His awards and decorations include, the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He leaves his parents, Ignacio Ceneceros and Maria A. Armendaniz, his sister, Karla, two brothers, Ivan and Abraham Ceniceros. He died at age 21 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Spc. Bryn T. RaverDied: August 29, 2010 in Nangahar, Afghanistan Spc. Bryn T. Raver of Harrison, Arkansas is the son of Charles and the late Sandra R. Shook. He entered the Army in February 2008 and arrived at Fort Campbell in August 2008 where he served as a military policeman. His Awards and Decorations include, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and weapons qualification, M4 expert. He leaves his wife, Pvt. Kellie S. Raver, daughter Elisha, and his father, Charles B. Raver, two brothers, Justin and Brandon. Bryn was of the Baptist Faith. Bryn loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting, 4-wheelers, racing and being with friends and family. He died at age 20 at Nangahar, Afghanistan, of wound sustained when their military vehicle was struck by rocket propelled grenade on Aug. 28 at Nangahar, Afghanistan.

A1C Jesse M. SamekDied: October 21, 2004 in Kandahar, Afghanistan Air Force Airman 1st Class Jesse M. Samek of Rogers, Arkansas graduated from Rogers High School in 2001 and attended the University of Arkansas for a year before deciding to join the Air Force. He was a great outdoorsman. He loved camping, hiking, hunting, fishing and snow and waterskiing. He played recreational hockey as a goalie. He worked for months in a training program, and became a member of an elite group that qualified for the rescue duty as a flight engineer on a HH-60 Para Rescue helicopter. He leaves his parents, Gavin and Julia Samek, and his brother, Benjamin Samek. Jesse died at age 21 from injuries he received when an Air Force HH-60 helicopter aircraft crashed during a medical evacuation mission in Afghanistan. Jesse was an avid Cardinals and Blues fan. Nellis AFB named the Nellis Airmen’s Center in honor of Jesse who was the base’s first post 9-11 combat death. The center is now called the Jesse M. Samek Airmen’s Center. It is a recreational facility for airmen to congregate for entertainment and relaxation.

Sgt. Bradley W. MarshallDied: July 31, 2007 in Tunis, Iraq Sgt. Bradley W. Marshall of Little Rock, Arkansas began his military career in the United States Army from 1990 through 1994. In 2006 he re-enlisted as a paratrooper with dedication and commitment. In his leisure, Brad enjoyed fishing, boating, hunting, camping and hiking mostly because of the bonding time it allowed him to share with so many of his family and friends. He loved to build and reconstruct homes and was exceptionally proud of his finished work. He leaves his wife, Gina, two sons, Wesley and Tanner, his parents Wayne and Fran Marshall and a sister, Kim. He was a member of Bingham Road Baptist Church. He died at age 37 in Tunis, Iraq, of wounds sustained from enemy indirect fire. Also killed was Spc. Daniel F. Reyes.Army

Pfc. Rodney L. McCandlessDied: April 07, 2007 in Zaganiyah, IraqPfc. Rodney L. McCandless of Camden, Arkansas was always concerned about how his actions would be perceived by children who looked up to him. It was for this reason that he never took up smoking, drinking or drugs. Being a role model was important to him, and he lived his life accordingly. He enlisted the United States Army in August of 2005, completing Advanced Individual Training at Fort Lee, Virginia in October 2005. He completed the Basic Airborne Course in February of 2006 and reported to the 82nd Airborne Division in April of 2006. His Awards and Decorations include, the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, and the Parachutist’s Badge. Rodney leaves his parents, Lynn and Rhonda McCandless, a sister, Chastity, and two brothers, Ron and James. He died at age 21 in Zaganiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit.

Capt. Arthur L. FelderDied: April 24, 2004 in Taji, Iraq Capt. Arthur L. Felder of Louisville, Arkansas grew up in Flint, Michigan, Fort Smith and Lewisville. He attended East Texas Baptist University earning a physical education degree. Known by most as, ‘Bo’, he also attended Quachita Baptist University. A member of his family has served in the military since World War I, and Bo joined the Army as a junior in high school. Bo spent nearly two decades serving the Army and National Guard. During that time, he served in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia and Honduras. He was serving as commander of Headquarters Company. Arthur was a praying man, something he had begun since about age six when he would lead the family in prayer at the dinner table. He prayed at every opportunity, at fast food restaurants, before every mission, and would even leave prayers as messages on answering machines. His devotion to God and his family and his country never wavered. His Awards and Decorations include, the MSM, ARCOM, three ARMY Reserve Achievement Medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, ARMY Service Ribbon, ARMY Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, NATO Medal, Air Assault Badge, Arkansas Federal Service Ribbon, two Arkansas Service Ribbons. He was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal posthumously. Bo was killed at age 36 when mortar rounds hit his camp in Taji, Iraq in an 80mm rocket strike that hit his camp.

Staff Sgt. Stacey C. BrandonDied: April 24, 2004 in Taji, Iraq Staff Sgt. Stacey C. Brandon of Hazen, Arkansas is the son of George Brandon and Mary Nan Tindell Brandon and graduated from Kingsland High School in 1987. He joined the National Guard in the late summer of 1990. In October of 1996 he transferred to the 3rd 153rd Infantry at Monticello. In May of 2001 he transferred to HHC 39th Support Battalion 39th Infantry Brigade at Hazen. He deployed for active duty on Oct. 12, 2003. As a civilian, he worked as a prison guard for the Arkansas Department of Correction and later worked at the federal prison in Forrest City. His Awards and Decorations include, two Army Achievement Medals, four Reserve Components Achievement Medals, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, two Arkansas Service Ribbons. In addition to his parents, he leaves his wife April, and two children, Jonathan and Brianna, and a brother, Jeffrey. He was killed at age 35 when mortar rounds hit his camp in Taji, Iraq during a rocket strike on his camp.